Head outdoors this weekend: Markets, hikes, bird-watching and more

Welcome to the Herald-News’ Will County Inside/Outside Guide. Each week, features editor Denise M. Baran-Unland (@Denise_Unland61) highlights a few ideas for you to enjoy your weekend in Will County.

A high of 81 degrees is predicted for Saturday in Will County, just the right temperature to spend some of that time outside. But I also have two inside events you might enjoy, especially if you have a heart for dogs and fitness (the first event) and need an evening of local country music (the second event).

First, the outdoor events.

Visit the Frankfort Modified Country Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Sunday and every Sunday through Oct. 24. The market is located at 1 N. White St. and Breidert Green parking lots. The entry and exit points are monitored.

Patrons and vendors must wear face coverings, and the market will limit the total number of shoppers at any one time. In addition, the market will feature hand-washing stations, as well as one-way aisles/ground markings to assist with social distancing.

No food or beverage consumption is allowed on-site. There will not be any food demonstrations, food samples or entertainment.

The market features locally grown produce, plants, baked goods, prepared foods and gourmet products. For a complete list of participating vendors, visit frankfortil.org.

Now check out these back to nature events from the Forest Preserve District of Will County.

Lake Renwick Bird Viewings: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays through June 26, Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve, Plainfield. Free, all ages. For information, call 815-886-1467.

The only way to see herons, egrets, cormorants and, possibly, a bald eagle while the preserve is closed for nesting season is to attend a viewing program. Volunteers and staff will be available to assist you. Bring your own binoculars or spotting scope.

Registration is not required. Park in the Renwick Road lot. Dogs and bicycles are not permitted in the nature preserve.

Wildflower Hike: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 1, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon. Free, all ages. For information, call 815-722-9470.

This leisurely 1-mile hike will include many stops. Participants can learn about and photograph the many beautiful spring wildflower species at the preserve. Register by Friday, April 30, at ReconnectWithNature.org.

Wildflower Photography Hike: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday, May 2, Messenger Woods Nature Preserve, Homer Glen. Free, ages 16 or older. For information, call 708-946-2216.

Start at the preserve’s Hawthorn Grove Shelter to briefly learn why this preserve is special each spring. Then hike with a naturalist and take photos along the way. This program is recommended for people with any type of camera, from smartphones to digital SLRs. The program will focus on technique and composition, not camera operation. Registration is required at ReconnectWithNature.org.

If you’re looking to stay inside this weekend, check out these two events:

One is a Zumba Pawty Fundraiser for Hopeful Tails Animal Rescue Joliet. The event will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 2, at REAP Fitness, 24461 W. Eames, Channahon. All proceeds benefit Hopeful Tails. Instruction will be Sarah Short. Cost is $20. Register at bit.ly/3taiCiA.

For information about Hopeful Tails, visit hopefultailsanimalrescue.org.

Also on Saturday, Brad Jackson & Shades of Country Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. at Fireman Ted’s Bar and Grill, 2771 Black Road in Joliet.

For information on the band, visit Brad Jackson & Shades of Country on Facebook. For informatioin on Fireman Ted’s Bar and Grill, visit firemanteds.com.

Thoughts? Drop me a line at dunland@shawmedia.com.